The Feb. 7, 1950 photo caption read: City Engineer R. W. Finke, left, gives go-ahead, and power shovel digs first scoop of dirt preparatory for construction of first unit of Alaskan Way Viadcut near Western Avenue and Battery Street. less

The Feb. 7, 1950 photo caption read: City Engineer R. W. Finke, left, gives go-ahead, and power shovel digs first scoop of dirt preparatory for construction of first unit of Alaskan Way Viadcut near Western ... more

Construction of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, April 26, 1951. Photo-760376.6842 - seattlepi.com

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The May 1951 photo caption read: There's a real big show underway along the waterfront where the Alaskan Way Viaduct is being constructed, and these two 5-story-high cranes straddle railway switching tracks.

The May 1951 photo caption read: There's a real big show underway along the waterfront where the Alaskan Way Viaduct is being constructed, and these two 5-story-high cranes straddle railway switching tracks.

The March 1952 photo caption read: Looking north along the viaduct near Lenora Street where the lower deck carrying southbound traffic edges under the top northbound deck. Note the beauty that the giant concrete supports add to the viaduct. less

The March 1952 photo caption read: Looking north along the viaduct near Lenora Street where the lower deck carrying southbound traffic edges under the top northbound deck. Note the beauty that the giant ... more

Photo: P-I File

The March 1952 photo caption read: Looking north along the viaduct... Photo-760432.6842 - seattlepi.com

The April 4, 1953 photo caption read: Seafair Queen Iris Adams and Mayor Allan Pomeroy had something to laugh about Saturday as they bent every effort to cut the ribbon to open the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

The April 4, 1953 photo caption read: Seafair Queen Iris Adams and Mayor Allan Pomeroy had something to laugh about Saturday as they bent every effort to cut the ribbon to open the Alaskan Way Viaduct.